Moving from Lansing, MI to Akron, OH
Moving from Lansing, MI to Akron, OH covers 251 mi and about 4h 47m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
251 mi Β· 4h 47m by car Β· OH β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 23, I 96 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Toledo, Dearborn, Ann Arbor |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lansing | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 94.991 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.519 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.472 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Lansing (94.991) and Akron (93.37) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Akron ZHVI at $137,894 is 1.7% below Lansing at $163,359.
YoY change: Lansing +4.0%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lansing | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 50.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.3" | 32.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LANSING CAPITAL CITY AP, MI US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lansing | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,546 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $52,170 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.26 |
Median household income in Akron is 1.7% below Lansing ($52,170 β $48,544, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Akron MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 39,390 | $41,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 35,340 | $38,160 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 28,050 | $35,310 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 27,940 | $28,550 |
| Production Occupations | 25,300 | $41,600 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Akron more expensive than Lansing?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 1.7% lower than Lansing (93.37 vs 94.991, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lansing vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $52,170 in Lansing β a 7.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Akron, OH from Lansing, MI?
The driving distance is 251 mi and the route typically takes 4h 47m via I 80 and US 23. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Lansing?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $49,250 in the Lansing MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 211,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Lansing to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 251 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Lansing?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $163,359 in Lansing β a 15.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lansing.
City profiles: Lansing, MI Β· Akron, OH.